Which Catholic Missal Should You Choose? A Buyer's Guide

If you've landed here wondering which missal is right for you, you're not alone. With several editions now available, and a recent change to the words used at Mass, it's a slightly more confusing decision than it used to be. Here's a plain-English guide to help you choose.

What is a missal, exactly?

A missal is the book Catholics use to follow the Mass. It contains the Order of Mass (the fixed prayers and responses said at every Mass) together with the Scripture readings set for each day, taken from the Lectionary. It's different from a Bible, which contains the whole of Scripture, and from a general prayer book, which is usually a looser collection of devotions. Many people keep a missal in the pew or by an armchair at home, using it both at church and for quiet reading during the week.

The most important thing to check before you buy

Since the First Sunday of Advent in 2024, Catholics in England, Wales and Scotland have been hearing a new translation of the Mass readings, known as the ESV-CE (English Standard Version – Catholic Edition). It replaced the translation that had been in use for decades, so the wording proclaimed at Mass has genuinely changed.

This matters when choosing a missal because some older stock still being sold uses the previous translation. If you follow along in a missal with the old wording while the new one is read aloud, the texts simply won't match. Every missal recommended in this guide uses the new ESV-CE Lectionary.

Sunday, weekday or daily — what's the difference?

Missals are generally published in three versions, and it helps to know which one matches how often you get to Mass.

A Sunday Missal contains the Order of Mass plus the readings for every Sunday and major solemnity, following the three-year cycle of Sunday readings (Years A, B and C). This is what most people need, since it covers Mass as most Catholics experience it week to week.

A Weekday Missal contains the readings for Monday-to-Saturday Mass, following their own two-year cycle. It's designed to be used alongside a Sunday Missal rather than instead of it, so it's only worth adding if you also get to Mass during the week.

A Daily Missal simply combines both of the above, plus the calendar of saints' days, into one larger book, so you only need to own and carry a single volume.

A closer look at each one

CTS Sunday Missal

This hardback from the Catholic Truth Society with the new ESV-CE Lectionary, the Order of Mass with every Eucharistic prayer and blessing, the Mass texts printed in Latin alongside the English, short introductions to the major feasts written by recent Popes, and two ribbon markers has been a popular choice. If you're buying your first missal, or replacing an old one now that the readings have changed, this is the natural place to start.

Sunday Missal: People's Edition (Red or Blue Binding)

Published for the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, this alternative to the CTS edition, also using the new ESV-CE Lectionary.

The red and blue versions are identical in content, so choose whichever colour you prefer. What sets it apart is the devotional material woven in: fresh reflections on every Sunday Mass written by a range of Catholic voices, a guide to praying the Rosary, the Stations of the Cross and the Stations of the Resurrection, simple morning and night prayers, and a guide to Confession. It makes a particularly thoughtful gift for someone newly received into the Church. If you're buying several, discounts apply from three copies upwards, which is handy for parishes, families or study groups.

Sunday Missal Presentation Edition (Burgundy or White)

The same trusted CTS Sunday Missal content as the Standard Edition, in a gilt-edged bonded-leather binding with a slipcase and two ribbons. The white edition is the traditional choice for a First Holy Communion gift; the burgundy suits a Confirmation candidate, someone newly received into the Church, or simply anyone who'd like something a little more special for themselves. If you only need the words inside, the Standard Edition gives you the same text for less; this is for when presentation matters too.

The CTS New Weekday Missal

For anyone who gets to Mass during the week as well as on Sundays, this hardback contains the full two-year cycle of weekday readings, again using the new ESV-CE Lectionary, and is designed to be used alongside, not instead of, a Sunday Missal.

A new red-and-blue Weekday Missal matching the People's Edition Sunday Missal is due for publication in November 2026; until then, the CTS New Weekday Missal above is the up-to-date weekday option.

The CTS New Daily Missal

Billed as the only UK missal to contain the complete Sunday, weekday and saints'-day cycles in a single volume, with the new ESV-CE Lectionary throughout and six ribbon markers. It's the simplest long-term option if you'd rather own one comprehensive book than two separate ones, though it is a substantial book at around 1.2kg, so it suits a church pew or armchair.

A note on the Altar Missals

You may notice items such as the "Altar Missal" or "Roman Missal" listed alongside these. Those are sacristy copies used by the priest at the altar during Mass, not personal missals for the congregation, so if you're buying for yourself or as a gift, you can skip past these.

Missals for Children

If you're shopping for a First Holy Communion, a Confirmation, or simply want to help a child follow along at Mass, look out for our dedicated range of children's missals, written and illustrated at a level to suit younger readers. They're a different consideration from the adult missals covered in this guide, but well worth a look if you're buying for a young person.

Check out the children’s resources here.

Quick decision guide

• Going to Mass on Sundays only, and want one solid everyday copy? The Sunday Missal (Standard Edition).
• Want some extra devotional reading alongside the Mass texts, or buying for a parish or group? The Sunday Missal: People's Edition.
• Buying a gift for a First Communion, Confirmation, or someone joining the Church? A Presentation Edition — white for First Communion, burgundy otherwise.
• Attend Mass during the week too? Add The CTS New Weekday Missal to your Sunday Missal.
• Would rather have one book that covers every day of the year? The CTS New Daily Missal.

Still not sure? Get in touch with our team or call us on 0345 222 3336 — we're happy to help you find the right one. You can also browse the full range of missals here at Eden.